Ukraine may face a significant shortage of storage capacity for the harvest in October and November. There may not be enough available storage capacity for approximately 11 million metric tons of grains, legumes, and oilseeds. The Ministry of Economy reported this in response to an inquiry from hromadske, as reported by Dengi.ua.
According to preliminary estimates, the total harvest of grains, legumes, and oilseeds in 2026 is expected to reach approximately 82.5 million metric tons. However, as early as October-November, available storage capacity could be fully utilized, and the maximum storage shortfall could reach 11 million metric tons.
To mitigate potential financial losses, the government is utilizing several tools. These include affordable lending programs, securing international financial assistance, and providing farmers with special grain silos that allow for the temporary storage of the harvested crop.
The ministry notes that even amid a full-scale war, Ukraine remains one of the world’s leading producers and suppliers of certain categories of agri-food products.
In particular, the total supply of grains and legumes on the Ukrainian market in the 2026/2027 marketing year, taking into account carryover stocks exceeding 10 million metric tons, could reach approximately 74 million metric tons. This is approximately 13% more than the figure for the previous marketing year.
Domestic market demand is estimated at approximately 18 million metric tons, or 24.3% of total supply. As of September 21, Ukraine had already exported nearly 4.7 million metric tons of grains and pulse crops. However, the volume of exports is 22% lower than during the same period last year.
As for oilseeds - sunflower, soybeans, and rapeseed - their total supply this year is projected to be approximately 20 million metric tons.
The bulk of this volume - about 16 million metric tons, or 80% - can be processed domestically for vegetable oil production. Another 3.6 million metric tons of oilseeds, according to the forecast, will be exported.